7 Baseball Players who Played for Blue Jays and Cubs
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Toronto Blue Jays and the Chicago Cubs.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Blue Jays and the Cubs.
Marcus Stroman
Marcus Stroman was selected in the first round of the 2012 MLB Draft, 22nd overall, by the Toronto Blue Jays. He made his MLB debut in 2014 and quickly established himself as a dynamic and effective pitcher. Standing at only 5 feet 7 inches, Stroman’s stature belies his ability to throw a powerful mix of pitches.
Stroman’s highlights include being named the MVP of the 2017 World Baseball Classic, where he helped lead Team USA to victory. He’s also been an MLB All-Star and has recorded several seasons with double-digit wins.
His career has included stints with the Blue Jays, Mets and Cubs. Stroman’s energetic style and competitive nature have made him a fan favorite, and he continues to be a key figure in the starting rotations of the teams he plays for.
*Stroman was the most popular pick for this square in a previous grid (Grid 130)
Stroman Key Stats
- All-Star (Blue Jays, Cubs)
- Gold Glove (Blue Jays)
Joe Carter
When I hear Joe Carter I still picture him in a Toronto Blue Jays uniform running the bases after hitting a walk-off home run to win the World Series in 1993.
In addition to the Blue Jays, Joe Carter played for 5 other teams over his 16-year career – the Indians (now Guardians), Padres, Cubs, Giants and Orioles.
The five-time All-Star (all with the Blue Jays) led the league in RBIs with 121 in 1986 while playing with the Cleveland Indians.
Benito Santiago
As a young catcher growing up, I remember seeing Benito Santiago throwing players out from his knees and thought it was the coolest thing ever and something I remember imitating in Little League games.
But, that’s not what matters here. What matters is that 5-time All-Star Benito Santiago played for 9 different teams throughout this 20 year career which makes him an absolute force on the Immaculate Grid.
Santiago played for Padres, Giants, Reds, (Florida) Marlins, Blue Jays, Royals, Pirates, Phillies and Cubs.
Fred McGriff
Fred McGriff was a powerhouse over his 19-year career in majors. Over that time he played for 6 different teams including the Rays, Braves, Blue Jays, Padres, Cubs and Dodgers.
Earning the nickname “Crime Dog” from Chris Berman, McGriff smashed over 490 home runs (career high of 36 in 1989 with the Blue Jays) and 1500 RBIs.
He was a key player in the Braves’ 1995 World Series win and made the All-Star team five times. McGriff was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023.
Mickey Morandini
Mickey Morandini played from 1990 to 2000 – mostly with the Phillies, but also with the Cubs and Blue Jays. Morandini was a solid player, known for his glove work and consistent performance at the plate.
He was selected once for the All-Star Game, in 1995 with the Phillies. Morandini is also remembered for his unassisted triple play in 1992, a rarity in the game.
Steve Traschel
Steve Trachsel, who pitched from 1993 to 2008, is most recognized for his time with the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets. Trachsel had a steady career, compiling 143 wins, a career 4.39 ERA, and striking out 1591 batters.
Although never an overpowering pitcher, he was known for his durability and consistency. His best season arguably came in 1996 with the Cubs when he posted a 13-9 record and a 3.03 ERA with 132 strikeouts, helping him to his lone All-Star appearance.
Known for his methodical pace on the mound, which earned him the nickname “The Human Rain Delay”, Trachsel carved out a long and successful career as a reliable starter.
Matt Stairs
Matt Stairs had a lengthy Major League career that spanned from 1992 to 2011, during which he played for 12 different teams, essentially making him an Immaculate Grid Hall-of-Famer.
Known for his power-hitting abilities, primarily as a pinch-hitter, he hit 265 home runs over his career and holds the record for the most pinch-hit home runs in MLB history with 23. Stairs had a career batting average of .262 with an OPS of .832, and recorded 899 RBIs.
Notably, in the 2008 postseason with the Philadelphia Phillies, he hit one of the most famous home runs in Phillies history, helping the team move onto the World Series that year.
